Math War

After teaching math in summer school this year, I found a simple and great warm-up . . . War Warm-up. Materials needed: a deck of playing cards for each student (Minus the kings and jokers). Aces count as one, jacks are 11, and queends are 12. Each pair of students plays multiplication war by turning over the top card of his/her deck. The person that gives the correct product of the two cards wins the cards. If both students say the answer at the same time, WAR! Each students places three cards face down and the fourth card is turned up. Once again, whoever gives the correct product wins the cards. Some of my students even did three-way war! Great multiplication review.

I love this game idea, Gail! It is refreshing to learn about a idea that doesn't involve pre-made games or resources. Too many parents and teachers get stuck in the rut of thinking that they always have to buy an activity. Of course, we love the business....but that does not mean we want to stop creative thinking!